Pastoral Transition

PASTORAL TRANSITION SCRIPTURE & MEDITATION FOUS FOR THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 18, 2018

Dear Allen Temple Family,

Ponder these thoughts from the author, Sarah Young, as she writes from the perspective of Jesus speaking directly to us.

“Trust Me Enough to spend ample time with Me, pushing back the demands of the day. … You will find that you can accomplish more in less time after you have given yourself to Me in rich communion. … I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you. [Luke 10:41-42; Psalm 32:8 NASB] “ {‘Jesus Calling’ – February 10 Devotional – Author: Sarah Young}

For this week (February 19 through 25), we beseech you to engage in prayer and meditation on the prayer themes and scripture references listed below. If possible, let's pray together during the 7am morning hour, 7pm evening hour or 12:00 noon time-frame.

Prayer Themes and Scriptures

• Experience the Lord’s Presence
  • Psalm 46:10-11 (KJV): 10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. 11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
• Discerning the Lord’s Will
  • Ephesians 1:17-23 (KJV): 17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, 20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
• God’s Grace and the Leadership of Jesus Christ
  • Colossians 1:15-20 (NIV): 15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
• Prayer of Transformation
  • Romans 12:1-2 (NIV): 12 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
• A Fresh Anointing
  • Psalm 92:10 (KJV): 10 But my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of an unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil.
• Worship
  • Psalm 34:1-3 (KJV): 34 I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. 2 My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. 3 O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.
• Sunday School Lesson (02/25th) – Fight the Good Fight of Faith
  • I Timothy 6:11-21 (NLT): 11 But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses. 13 And I charge you before God, who gives life to all, and before Christ Jesus, who gave a good testimony before Pontius Pilate, 14 that you obey this command without wavering. Then no one can find fault with you from now until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. 15 For, At just the right time Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only almighty God, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords. 16 He alone can never die, and he lives in light so brilliant that no human can approach him. No human eye has ever seen him, nor ever will. All honor and power to him forever! Amen. 17 Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. 18 Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. 19 By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life. 20 Timothy, guard what God has entrusted to you. Avoid godless, foolish discussions with those who oppose you with their so-called knowledge. 21 Some people have wandered from the faith by following such foolishness. May God’s grace be with you all.

As we continue seeking the will of God and His discernment through the processes of prayer and meditation, we invite you to join us at our Thursday Pastoral Transition Prayer Hours in the Sanctuary. The Prayer Hour will be followed by Thursday Evening Bible Study taught by Pastor Smith and Reverend Olu Bereola. Dates and times are:

Pastoral Transition Prayer Hour Schedule
Thursday, February 22 - 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Thursday, March 8 - 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Thursday, March 22 - 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Thursday, April 5 - 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Thursday, April 19 - 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Thursday, May 3 - 6:30pm to 7:30pm

PASTORAL TRANSITION PRAYER & MEDITATION FOCUS FOR THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 11, 2018

“… Now as a new era begins we must respond to the Spirit's ongoing call to the church to serve the present age. To do so, we must seek the guidance and direction of the Lord, for the vision for our future belongs to the Lord. The 40 day season of Lent provides us a blessed opportunity to pray together seeking to communally discern God's Vision for Allen Temple.“ (February 22, 2009 – Dr. J. Alfred Smith, Jr.}

• A Believing Faith
  • Hebrews 11:1-3, 6 (KJV): 1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good report. 3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. … 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
• Unity and Strength in the Lord
  • Ephesians 2:19-22 (KJV): 19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
• God’s Grace and the Leadership of Jesus Christ
  • 1 Corinthians 3:9-15 (ESV): 9 For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building. 10 According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled[a] master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. 11 For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— 13 each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. 14 If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer
    loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.
• Prayer
  • Matthew 6:5-8 (NIV): 5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
• A Fresh Anointing
  • Acts 2:1-4 (NIV): 2 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues[a] as the Spirit enabled them.
• The Mission
  • Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV): 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
• Sunday School Lesson – Faithful Disciples
  • Acts 9:36-43 (KJV): 36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. 37 And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. 38 And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. 39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. 40 But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41 And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. 42 And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord. 43 And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Pastoral Transition Scripture & Meditation Focus for the week of January 28, 2018

Dear Allen Temple Family,

For this week (January 29th through February 4th), let’s continue our engagement in prayer and meditation centered on “Faith”. If possible, let's pray together during the 7am morning hour, 7pm evening hour or 12:00 noon time-frame.

Prayer Themes and Scriptures

• Faith to Discern
  • Acts 13:2-3 (NIV): 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.
• Faith to Persevere
  • Colossians 2:6-7 (NIV): 6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
• Faith to Unite
  • Ephesians 4:1-3 (KJV): 1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
• A Believing Faith
  • Hebrews 11:1-6 (KJV): 1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good report. 3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. 4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. 5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that
    diligently seek him.

Pastoral Transition Prayer & Meditation Focus for the Week of January 21, 2018

Dear Allen Temple Family,

• Faith in Jesus
  • John 3:16-17 (KJV)
    • 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
  • John 5:24 (KJV)
    • 24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
  • Ephesians 2:8 (KJV)
    • 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
• Faith to Discern
  • Acts 13:2-3 (NIV)
    • 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." 3 So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.
• Faith to Persevere
  • Colossians 2:6-7 (NIV)
    • 6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

• Faith to Unite
  • Ephesians 4:1-3 (KJV)
    • 1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
• A Believing Faith
  • Hebrews 11:1-6 (KJV)
    • 1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good report. 3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. 4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. 5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
• A Sincere Faith
  • Daniel 1:8 (KJV)
    • 8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
• A Bold Faith
  • Esther, Chapter 4
    • [Read the entire chapter from your bible.]

As we continue seeking the will of God and His discernment through the processes of prayer and meditation, we invite you to join us at our Thursday Pastoral Transition Prayer Hours in the Sanctuary. The Prayer Hour will be followed by Thursday Evening Bible Study taught by Pastor Smith and Reverend Olu Bereola. Dates and times are:

Pastoral Transition Prayer Hour Schedule
Thursday, January 25 - 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Thursday, February 8 - 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Thursday, February 22 - 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Thursday, March 8 - 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Thursday, March 22 - 6:30pm to 7:30pm

Prayer Assignment for the week of January 15 & Prayer Hour Schedule

Prayer Themes and Scriptures

• Divine Discernment
  • Philippians 1:9-11 (NIV): And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ-to the glory and praise of God.
  • Psalm 119:66 (NIV): Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust your commands.
  • Colossians 3:16 (NIV): Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.
• Church Family Unity
  • 1 Corinthians 12:27 (KJV): Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
  • Ephesians 4:4-7 (KJV): There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
  • Romans 12:4-5 (ESV): For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.
• The 'Fruit of the Spirit
  • Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV): But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

As we continue seeking the will of God and His discernment through the processes of prayer and meditation, we invite you to join us at our Thursday Pastoral Transition Prayer Hours in the Sanctuary. The Prayer Hour will be followed by Thursday Evening Bible Study taught by Pastor Smith and Reverend Olu Bereola. Dates and times are:

Pastoral Transition Prayer Hour Schedule
Thursday, January 25 - 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Thursday, February 8 - 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Thursday, February 22 - 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Thursday, March 8 - 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Thursday, March 22 - 6:30pm to 7:30pm

God Bless!!!

Prayer Assignment for the week of January 8 & Prayer Hour Schedule

Dear Allen Temple Family,

As our church family approaches the dates for the Prayer Revival (January 14 through 16), please join us in dedicating time in prayer and meditation seeking the will of Almighty God through Sunday, January 14. If possible, let's pray together during the 7am morning hour, 7pm evening hour or 12:00 noon time-frame.

Prayer Themes and Biblical Scriptures

Day 1 - Confession: Believe, God has the answers.
James 5:16 - New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.

Day 2 - Humbleness/Surrender: Believe, God has the answers.
II Chronicles 7:14 - New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Day 3 - Bow … unto the Father: Believe, God has the answers.
Ephesians 3:14-19 - King James Version (KJV)
For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

Day 4 - Thanksgiving: Believe, God has the answers.
Psalm 65:1-2 - New International Version (NIV)
Praise awaits you, our God, in Zion; to you our vows will be fulfilled. You who answer prayer, to you all people will come.

Day 5 - Faithful: Believe, God has the answers.
Romans 12:12 - New International Version (NIV)
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Day 6 - Trust: Believe, God has the answers.
Psalm 125:1 - King James Version (KJV)
They that Trust in the Lord shall be as Mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abided forever.

Day 7 - Peace: Believe, God has the answers.
Philippians 4:6 - King James Version (KJV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

As we continue seeking the will of God and His discernment through the processes of prayer and meditation, we invite you to join us at our Thursday Pastoral Transition Prayer Hours in the Sanctuary. The Prayer Hour will be followed by Thursday Evening Bible Study taught by Pastor Smith and Reverend Olu Bereola. Dates and times are:

Pastoral Transition Prayer Hour Schedule
Thursday, January 11 - 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Thursday, January 25 - 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Thursday, February 8 - 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Thursday, February 22 - 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Thursday, March 8 - 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Thursday, March 22 - 6:30pm to 7:30pm

Blessings!

January 2018 Pastoral Transition Update

The Senior Pastor of Allen Temple Baptist Church, Dr. J. Alfred Smith, Jr. has announced his plans to retire on January 31, 2019. If the church completes the process earlier, his retirement date could be as early as September 30, 2018. During the transition process, the Senior Pastor, J. Alfred Smith, Jr., and the Assistant Pastor, Dr. Jacqueline Thompson, will continue in their respective roles, as Allen Temple Baptist Church strives to attain the stated mission of the church in accordance with God's will.

For the month of January 2018, the transition process will include vetting of the 62 pulpit search committee nominations and launching the Church Assessment/Prospective Pastor Survey.

Each of the 62 search committee nominees will be contacted and vetted by a 9 panel advisory board sub-committee. The vetting criteria will be governed by our Church Constitution, and Covenant. We anticipate that we will be able to complete this process in the month of January. The advisory board sub-committee will make a recommendation to the advisory board for the fully vetted 15 member pulpit search committee. Once reviewed and approved by the advisory board, the 15 member search committee panel will be submitted to the church for ratification. This is tentatively scheduled for the annual church meeting in February 2018.

The Church Assessment and Prospective Pastor Survey is up and running on the Pastoral Transition web-page and will run from 1/7/18 - 2/28/18. This confidential survey is for church members only and will contain questions and input opportunities in regard to Pastoral preferred requirements. As a member of Allen Temple, you are able to go to the Pastoral Transition web-page, click on the Pastoral Survey Link, it will ask for your Allen Temple Community email and password, and the survey page will appear for your completion. If you have not created a membership account you can do so by following the steps on the help page. We will also provide a handout on how to register online at the church information desk. Hard copies of the survey will be made available upon request and for members without computer access. Completed hard-copy surveys can be returned to the reception box in the sanctuary.

As a church of faith and professed believers, we lean on the Scriptures "when they say, No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those that love him". 1 Cor 2: 9-11 NLT.

Peace and Blessings,
Deacon Ted Carter
ATBC Deacon Ministry, Chair

Pastoral Transition Update & Pastoral Search/Pulpit Committee Nominations

The Senior Pastor of Allen Temple Baptist Church, Dr. J. Alfred Smith, Jr., has announced his plans to retire on January 31, 2019. If the church completes the process earlier, his retirement date could be as early as September 30, 2018. During this transition process, the Senior Pastor, J. Alfred Smith, Jr., and the Assistant Pastor, Dr. Jacqueline Thompson, will continue in their respective roles, as Allen Temple Baptist Church functions normally, in accordance with God’s will and the stated mission of the church.

The next phase in the transition process is to engage the congregation in the seating of the Pastoral/Pulpit Search Committee. The search committee nomination process will run from now through December 31, 2017. In February 2018, the church will vote on a committee of 15 members that will do the work of the Pastoral/Pulpit Search with regular updates to the church. Here is a document that provides an overview of the Pastoral/Pulpit Search Committee criteria:

Characteristics of a Pastoral/Pulpit Search Committee Member

• A Pastoral/Pulpit Search Committee member is one who:
  • Has demonstrated good level of spiritual maturity
  • Has the trust and respect of the congregation
  • Can share the vision of what can be
  • Can keep the confidence within the group
  • Understands and can articulate what the church needs
  • Has a good level of trust in God’s working in and through the process
  • Is willing to learn the search process, and willing to do homework
  • Has a good sense of denominational identity and commitment
  • Is positive and optimistic
  • Is willing to make the responsibility a high priority in his or her life. The expected time commitment is 15-20 hours each month
  • Is willing to work toward consensus and abide by the group’s decision
  • Is open to the candidacy of all persons whom God might be calling to his congregation without regard to age, race, gender, physical ability, or marital status

• How to submit your nomination
  • Download nomination form here Word Format PDF Format
  • Submit your completed form to:
    • A Deacon
    • Your cluster leader
    • The locked box located in the back of the church
    • Or by email to the Pastoral transition email address: transition@allen-temple.org

As we continue seeking the will of God and His discernment through the processes of prayer and meditation, we invite you to join us at our Thursday Pastoral Transition Prayer Hours in the Sanctuary. The Prayer Hour will be followed by Thursday Evening Bible Study taught by Pastor Smith and Reverend Olu Bereola. Dates and times are:

Pastoral Transition Prayer Hour Schedule
Thursday, November 16 - 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Thursday, November 30 - 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Thursday, December 14 - 6:30pm to 7:30pm

As we go through this pastoral transition process, we reflect and are guided by 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV): Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Peace and Blessings,
Deacon Ted Carter, Chairperson, Deacons Ministry

14 Day Prayer & Meditation Focus (Starting Nov 6)

As we continue to strive and grow spiritually and to bolster our Pastoral Transition Prayer focus, we are asking you to join together in prayer and meditation (beginning Monday November 6) for the next 14 days, embracing the following scriptures and themes.

If possible, let’s pray together during the 7am morning hour, 7pm evening hour or 12:00 noon timeframe.

Prayer Themes and Biblical Scriptures

• Confession: In order for us to be open in this transition process, we must be honest and transparent, first to ourselves, through personal reflection and then to one another, through communal reflection. Prayer is active, fluid and should generate change in us individually and collectively.

• II Chronicles 7:13-16, King James Version: If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place. For now have I chosen and sanctified this house, that my name may be there for ever; and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually.

• Psalm 51:1-12, New International Version: Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot our my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge. Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

• Prayer in Faith: Believe, God has the answers and will supply our needs and direct us if we trust Him. We should also be active in faithfully considering the needs of others and thus coming together as a family to listen, hear and love.

• James 5:13-16, New International Version: Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

• Proverbs 3:5-7: King James Version: Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct they paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.

Pastoral Transition Prayer Hour Schedule - Fall/Winter 2017

As we continue seeking the will of God and His discernment through the processes of prayer and meditation, we invite you to join us at our Thursday Pastoral Transition Prayer Hours in the Sanctuary:

• Thursday, November 2 - 6:30pm
• Thursday, November 16 - 6:30pm
• Thursday, November 30 - 6:30pm
• Thursday, December 14 - 6:30pm